First, the ORS is a way for racers all over the world to compete against each other regardless of their chosen scale, track, or car. Yes, it sounds bizarre, but it actually works extremely well. In essence, you run a race by yourself for a specified number of laps, submit a log file for the race, and ORS administration then "normalizes" your lap times with a formula that gives all drivers the same base lap time. Within hours after the event's submission deadline, you can download the compiled race file and, using an ORS viewer, actually watch the race on your computer as it plays out!

In addition to a track, car, and controller, you need a computer connected to your track that can run one of several ORS-recognized timing packages. These are: Dino v 2.5 or later (Scuderia McEwen), Lap Timer 2000 v 3.5 or later (Gregory Braun), Virtual Race System (VRS) 2001 v 1.03 or later (Neill Robinson), Rennbahnmanager v 4.2 or later, TrakMate v 1.5 or later (Daniel Groulx), and RaceDax (Erik Malmcrona). All are PC-based systems that output an ORS-compliant log file. Some are freeware, some aren't. Links to all are available from the ORS web site (on the Software page).

Speaking of the ORS web site, founder Chris Moellering has recently given the site a facelift. Navigation is much easier and natural, and redundant/erroneous paths have been eliminated.

The main page now contains a top frame with only five links, and a second frame that shows you the currently active (or recently completed) racing series. The links in the top frame direct you to "Home" (this main page), "Links" (links to ORS member and software sites), "Discussion" (the ORS discussion board - more on that later!), "Software" (to get timing and viewer software), and "Archives" (access to historical info on completed ORS events and series). The lower frame of the main page shows icons for each series and a countdown timer until the next event in each. By clicking the series icon, you go to a specific page for that series or event. There are four links on each series page. Under "Drivers Briefing" you can find out all the detailed info, including series or race format, race dates, number of laps, scoring method, etc. The other three links allow you to register, view the competitor list, and obtain race and series results.

A very important part of ORS is the discussion board. Not only is this the place to look for late-breaking info, but it is here that the compiled race files are announced and posted. It is a simple process to register on the board, whether you are a series competitor or just want to "lurk" around ORS. In fact, once you are here, you can even watch the races even if you aren't a competitor! From the main page, click "Discussion", then, at the left, click "Get Registered" to get an account on the board. The ORS board is probably half (or more) of the fun. It also serves as an information dissemination point, and you have to be part of it if you want to know the latest on everything. Teams (some series support this) and drivers use it to give themselves a persona like that of a 1:1 racing organization. It can get whacky and quite hilarious. The board also dives into deeper issues, and is a great place to post your questions because the ORS regulars are there to give you the answers. We'll gladly help out all newcomers. If you race ORS, you really NEED to be registered on this board.

Okay, "I'm interested", you say. "Just give me a quick way to join!". Easy!

Go to the ORS web site. If you don't have ORS-compliant software you can get it from the "Software" page. Check out each series on the main page by clicking the icons. Find out all about the series by clicking the "Drivers Briefing" link. Register for a series by clicking the "Registration" link on that series' page. (You should also get a discussion board account, as described above). Then, prior to the submission deadline for an event, run the race and email the logfile to the Competition Coordinator shown in the Drivers Briefing for the series. Within hours after the deadline (always less than a day), the compiled race file is available from the discussion board or the series page. Use a viewer (obtained from the "Software" page) to watch the race!

So what's hot in ORS right now? The Formula One Shadow series (17 races that follow the real F1 calendar) starts March 4th and is the premier ORS series! The SuperCup (11 races that run as "support" races on F1 dates) is aimed at new competitors, run as distinct races and not as a series, and the opening round is April 15.

Can YOU compete in ORS? YES!

Further questions? Contact Brian Ferguson or Chris Moellering.